Xeriscaping
This is a water-conserving method of landscaping in arid or semiarid climates. The word xeriscape comes from the Greek word "xeros" for dry; and "scape”, meaning a kind of view or scene. Although it literally means “dry scene,” xeriscaping is merely landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings. Plants native to your area are generally the best adapted to your climate and will require the least maintenance.
According to the group Xeriscape Colorado, in most of the western United States over 50 percent of residential water used is applied to landscape and lawns. Xeriscaping can reduce landscape water use by 60 percent or more.
The California Integrated Waste Management Board Web site describes more benefits of xeriscaping: “Xeriscapes generally require less fertilizer and fewer pest control measures than traditional landscapes. Because pesticides and fertilizers can inadvertently harm beneficial organisms, as well as impact air and water quality, reducing their use is a good idea. And, of course, using less of these materials saves money.”
Sources:
-- Xeriscape Colorado. Web site accessed Aug. 15, 2007. http://www.xeriscape.org/
-- “Xeriscaping,” California Integrated Waste Management Board. Web site accessed Aug. 15, 2007. http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/organics/Xeriscaping/
